New baseball team Thunder Knights launched in the New Forest

AMID a boom in baseball across the UK, the New Forest region now has a team of its own.

The New Forest Thunder Knights have registered as members of the British Baseball Federation and will compete at the Single-A level in the South West and Wales League this year.

Formed by a group of friends who had previously played locally, the team will initially play its home games in Southampton while searching for a more permanent home in the Forest.

With a mix of men and women, the team’s founders have set out to create an inclusive club which welcomes players of all ages and experiences.

The squad currently consists of players from complete beginners to experienced.

The central ethos of the club is to expand knowledge of the sport in the New Forest and the surrounding areas and for members to enjoy themselves.

Assistant general manager Sam Williams said: “We’re really excited to bring baseball to the New Forest and Southampton this year. There’s huge potential for the sport in the local area and across the United Kingdom.

“Our aim is to enjoy ourselves on and off the field and to create an atmosphere in which everyone feels happy, safe and supported to play this fantastic sport.”

Pre-season training is now under way as the Knights look to make a run at the Severn Division in their first season.

Starting in April, they will travel to nearby Bournemouth, as well as Cardiff and Bristol, to play against divisional rivals.

The Knights have already secured their first sponsor, with US baseball journal The Twin Bill providing funding for the team to buy equipment ahead of the season.

The club are hunting for further sponsors to help with the cost of more gear and field hire.

With the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals playing in the MLB International Series in London later this year, and Team GB’s participation in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, the sport is growing in popularity in the UK.

The Knights are looking to capitalise on the interest generated by these events to grow the sport of baseball and secure the club’s long-term future.

For more information, email newforestbaseball@outlook.com or visit newforestbaseball.co.uk